Rev. Robert "Bob" E. Woods' Obituary
Rev. Robert (Bob) E. Woods, age 94, passed away on June 21, 2026 at home with family.
Bob was born in Bowling Green and raised in Toledo, Ohio where he met his wife, Arlene, in 8th grade and married in 1953. He graduated from the University of Chicago Theological Seminary and was ordained in September 1969. Bob served churches in Obetz, Lithopolis and Grand Rapids, Ohio as well as Chicago very early in his career. From 1962-1970, he oversaw the construction of Ottawa River Church and the parsonage in Toledo, Ohio; from 1970-1976, he served as senior pastor of Church of the Redeemer on McNaughten Road in Columbus, Ohio where he again oversaw the growth of the congregation and the construction of the physical church from that of a multipurpose room in the area elementary school. From 1977-1980, Bob was senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lima. He was senior pastor at Grace United Methodist in Dayton from 1980-1988 when he was appointed to a six-year term as Superintendent of the Cincinnati district with oversight of 72 churches and more than 100 clergy. At the completion of his term in 1994, he assumed the pastorate of the Church of the Messiah in Westerville and retired after serving 43 years in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church in October 1995. In 1996, Bob and Arlene built a home in the resort community of Hideaway Hills where Bob resided until his death.
During his ministry, Bob served in numerous District and Conference capacities and for many years was Courtesy Chairman for the Methodist Annual Conference which met in Lakeside, Ohio where he delighted the assembly with his wit and humor. He was a trustee of Baldwin Wallace and Ohio Northern Universities; the Methodist Theological School in Ohio; Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton; Twin Towers Retirement Center, Bethesda Hospital and Wesley Hall Nursing Home in Cincinnati. His community relationships included being on boards of Goodwill, Boy Scouts of America, the Heart Association and Cancer Society. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Kiwanis and Rotary. By means of the radio ministries at Trinity and Grace Churches, his inspirational messages spiced with humor reached many throughout the community.
Above all, Bob cherished his family; he valued summer vacations with his children, attending family gatherings and felt great joy in seeing his family grow. Bob leaves behind his daughter Karen and son-in-law Kinsley; son Doug and daughter-in-law Linda; grandson Jason and wife Bridget; granddaughters Erinn and husband Sebastian, and Meghan and husband Josh; and 4 great grand-children.
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